Sun tree solar Malawi

Is Malawi a good place to invest in solar energy?

“Salima Solar is the first solar PV plant in Malawi to be connected to the national grid. As such, it is a model for future projects in several ways… In particular, it demonstrates that Malawi is an attractive destination for private sector investment in energy,” says President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at the plant’s inauguration ceremony.

Where is Malawi's first solar power plant located?

The centrally located facility is Malawi's first solar power plant connected to the national grid, a project successfully completed under a public-private partnership (PPP). The President of the Republic of Malawi Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera visited the Salima district, 101 km from the capital Lilongwe, on November 16, 2021.

How much solar power does Malawi have?

Malawi has 336MW on-grid hydropower capacity, but it is run-of-river with little storage and highly seasonal, making it difficult to use to manage any drops in solar generation. Escom is having to learn quickly how to manage solar power on the grid.

What will InfraCo Africa do for Malawi?

InfraCo Africa, FMO and JCM Power remain committed to Malawi. As well as delivering the Golomoti Solar project together, InfraCo Africa and JCM Power will continue our support for nearby communities through the EFFORT agricultural livelihoods programme and other initiatives in Salima District.”

What is the Salima solar project?

The project also engaged a professional chef from Lilongwe to train a team of local women to prepare and serve free, nutritious meals for the construction team each day from the on-site African Food Kitchen facility. The Salima Solar project ties in with Power Africa initiatives in the region which aim to connect more people to the national grid.

How many GW will Malawi have in 2022?

Chakwera presented a plan earlier this year to add 1GW to the grid over the next few years, including 15 projects already being developed, of which he said nine could begin operating in 2022. Woodward believes Malawi is likely to stick with a formula that has proved successful so far. “I think it’s a good framework.